Liquor-articles 1905

Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cocktail that brings warmth and comfort during the holiday season. Made with dark rum, hot water, and a spiced butter batter, it’s easy to create and offers a nostalgic touch. Niko Imbert, senior vice president at Bon Vivants in the Bahamas, highlights this drink as a festive way to slow down and savor the holidays, while Aaron Kim from NYC’s 53 calls it the “liquid equivalent of a cozy fireside blanket.”

The rum you choose plays a crucial role in the drink’s flavor profile. Bartenders from across the country shared their top picks for the best rums to enhance this holiday delight.

Rum Selections for Hot Buttered Rum

1. Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum

   • Selected by Aaron Kim, this rum combines the depth of dark aged rum with a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the cocktail’s richness.

2. Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum

   • Alec Gropman favors this for its high proof and funky flavor, noting that it cuts through butter and spices for balance.

3. Coconut Cartel Rum

   • Niko Imbert prefers this for its coconut-forward profile, which adds a tropical touch to the traditional drink.

4. Chairman’s Reserve Original Rum

   • Kim recommends this Saint Lucia rum for its complex flavors of caramelized fruit and vanilla, perfect for a sophisticated Hot Buttered Rum.

5. Diplomático Reserva

   • Erin Green keeps this aged rum on hand for its harmonious notes of orange peel and toffee, which work well with the drink’s rich ingredients.

6. Ten to One Dark Rum

   • Luis Hernandez describes this Jamaican pot still rum as ideal, especially when paired with brown butter for added depth.

7. Planteray’s 20th Anniversary XO Rum

   • Imbert also enjoys this rum for the rich blend of flavors it contributes to the cocktail.

8. Bacardi Ocho

   • Hemant Pathak opts for this aged rum due to its mellow flavor, ensuring the cocktail maintains balance and doesn’t become too sweet.

9. Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario Rum

   • Aliz Meszesi favors rich, aged dark rums like Zacapa, which contribute warm, dessert-like notes to the drink.

Each of these rums brings a unique element, making Hot Buttered Rum a versatile cocktail for holiday gatherings. Whether entertaining family or friends, selecting the right rum can elevate this classic drink, providing warmth and celebration with every sip.

My Rum Rum Rudolph is an exciting twist on the classic Rum & Coke that brings festive flavor to your drink.

Ingredients

• 1 rosemary sprig
• 1 maraschino cherry
• Ice
• 4 oz. Coca-Cola
• 2 oz. white or dark rum
• 1 1/2 oz. tart cherry juice

Directions

1. Cut the rosemary sprig into two 2-inch pieces, stripping the leaves from the bottom half. Poke two holes in the maraschino cherry using a toothpick, then insert the rosemary sprigs into each hole. Finally, skew the toothpick through the cherry to secure it while avoiding the pit.

2. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add Coca-Cola, rum, and tart cherry juice. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with the prepared cherry.

This refreshing drink is a perfect holiday treat that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

Still Austin Whiskey Co. has unveiled its latest creation, the Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey, designed for those who appreciate the rich pairing of bourbon with cigars. This limited-edition whiskey boasts a strength of 107.5 proof and is crafted from a unique blend of blue, red, and white corn.

With a maturation period of at least six years in charred American oak barrels, this bourbon stands out due to its meticulous selection of ingredients, overseen by Master Blender Nancy Fraley and Master Distiller John Schrepel. Unlike many cigar blends that are finished in distinct barrels such as cognac or sherry, the Tanager Cigar Blend emphasizes the quality of its whiskey and the local Texas terroir.

The tasting experience begins with an inviting nose filled with notes of manuka honey, toasted coconut, marzipan, herbal tea, and cherries. On the palate, drinkers will encounter flavors of dried cherries, butterscotch, and candied grapefruit, rounded off with spice and herbal accents in the finish.

Released on December 6, 2025, the Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey is priced at $150 for a 750ml bottle. It’s available for purchase directly from Still Austin’s distillery and select retailers across Texas. This whiskey is expected to be a delightful addition to holiday gatherings for those who enjoy fine spirits.

Nothing embodies the holiday spirit like eggnog, a rich, creamy cocktail infused with spices and often elevated with a splash of alcohol. For many, homemade eggnog surpasses store-bought varieties, but selecting the right alcohol can be daunting. Traditionally, whiskey, rum, brandy, and Cognac are popular choices, but bartenders suggest that a combination of spirits can lead to a more complex and flavorful drink.

Liz Kelley, the lead bartender at New Orleans’ Cure, creates an eggnog with bourbon and chicory liqueur. The bourbon adds depth while the chicory provides a unique twist. She emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors in eggnog and recommends experimenting with different spirit blends.

For those looking to craft the perfect eggnog this Christmas, here are eight bartender-recommended spirits:

1. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
   This whiskey is versatile and combines ages in ex-bourbon barrels and rum casks, producing notes of caramel and toffee that complement eggnog beautifully.

2. Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Marsala Cask
   Aged in bourbon barrels and finished in Marsala casks, this whiskey introduces a blend of honey, vanilla, and subtle spice, making it ideal for rich eggnog.

3. Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
   Known for its depth, this rum is triple-aged, offering elegance and subtle flavors of cacao and spices that balance out the creaminess of eggnog.

4. Reposado Tequila
   While often overlooked, reposado tequila brings warm notes of vanilla and caramel, elevating the traditional eggnog flavor profile.

5. Gonzalez Byass Sherry Vermouth
   Adding sherry vermouth introduces a beautiful texture and spice, enhancing the flavors of whichever spirits are combined with it.

6. Macallan 12-Year Single Malt Scotch
   This Scotch has complex flavors of cinnamon and gingersnap, adding a malt backbone and rich taste to your eggnog.

7. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac
   This cognac enhances eggnog with its fruity, velvety qualities, bringing richness and brightness to the mix.

8. Valdespino Tio Diego Amontillado Sherry
   Adding this sherry provides nutty undertones and complements the spices typically found in eggnog, contributing to a well-rounded flavor experience.

With these expert suggestions, you can switch up your eggnog game this holiday season and impress your guests with a personalized twist on the classic drink.

Eggnog, a holiday classic that graces store shelves for just a brief season each year, is making its much-anticipated return. Its basic recipe has endured since medieval Europe, typically comprising beaten eggs mixed with sugar, milk or cream, and a spirited kick from elements like rum, bourbon, or Scotch, often garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg. Variations of eggnog can be found globally, with distinct takes from cultures such as Peru and Mexico.

Sales of eggnog have exhibited significant fluctuations over the years, peaking in 2016 and facing downturns by 2022. However, it generally remains a stable product in the market, with U.S. sales reaching 152 million pounds in 2024, an increase from the previous year, according to the USDA.

For those eager to enjoy this timeless beverage, here are eight delightful eggnog recipes to try this holiday season.

Aberfeldy’s Eggnog

This Scotch-infused eggnog highlights honey, spice, and fruit flavors.

Ingredients (Serves about 6)

• 1 cup Aberfeldy 12
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1¼ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla or a strip of orange zest

Whisk together the eggs and sugar thoroughly. Heat the milk, cream, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon until steaming, then gradually whisk it into the egg mixture to temper. Return to the pan and cook on low until thickened (around 170°F). Cool before stirring in Aberfeldy 12 and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve chilled with fresh nutmeg on top.

Kraken Eggnog

For a thrilling take, this recipe combines eggnog with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum.

Ingredients:

• 1 part The Kraken Black Spiced Rum
• 4 parts Eggnog
• Garnishes: Grated Cinnamon, Grated Nutmeg

Combine in an eggnog or highball glass and stir, finishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Basil Hayden Eggnog

This recipe offers a rich and decadent spin this holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 x 750ml Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1 quart milk
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 2 dozen eggs
• 1½ cups sugar
• Nutmeg

Separate the eggs and beat yolks until creamy. Mix in sugar, then whip the whites until stiff peaks form, adding extra sugar if desired. Combine yolks with bourbon, fold in the whites, and then incorporate whipped cream and milk. Garnish with nutmeg.

Second Sip Eggnog

This lighter version uses low-proof London dry gin.

Ingredients:

• 160 grams egg yolks
• 5 grams grated cinnamon
• 1 whole nutmeg, grated
• 100 grams sugar
• 600 ml heavy cream
• 1200 ml milk
• 240 grams egg whites
• 200 grams sugar
• 1 liter Second Sip Gin
• 80 ml Frangelico

Whip yolks with spices and sugar. Whip the cream to soft peaks and make a meringue with the egg whites and sugar. Combine everything and whisk lightly with the milk mixture.

Templeton Rye Nog

Enjoy this delightful blend of rye whiskey, rum, and brandy.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup Templeton Rye
• 3 oz Zaya Rum
• 3 oz Brandy
• 1 qt Eggnog

Mix all ingredients in a punch bowl, serving with grated nutmeg on top.

La Mar’s Peruvian Eggnog

This modern Peruvian twist adds vibrant floral notes.

Eggnog Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups milk
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon for topping

Whisk yolks and sugar until creamy. Heat cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt until simmering, then temper the egg mixture. Whisk constantly until thickened, then stir in vanilla and chill.

Peruvian Eggnog Ingredients:

• 2 oz eggnog base
• 1.5 oz Vinas de Oro Pisco Brandy Reserve
• 0.75 oz Ancho Reyes Verde Chile Poblano Liqueur
• 0.5 oz Demerara Syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice and serve in a coupe garnished with cinnamon and a chili pepper.

Polar Expresso

Transform the classic espresso martini with a festive twist.

Ingredients:

• Polar Expresso Infusion Kit
• Eggnog
• Whiskey, Bourbon, or Vodka
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Baileys or RumChata

Infuse the spirit in the Polar Expresso kit for up to three days. Shake with eggnog and serve, garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Coquito

This Puerto Rican coconut eggnog brings tropical vibes to the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
• 3 oz Coconut Cream
• ½ oz Rich Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
• 1 dash Vanilla Extract

Mix ingredients in a glass with ice, strain into a coupe, and garnish with grapefruit peel.

These varied recipes offer different flavors and styles to enjoy this beloved holiday drink, ensuring there’s something for everyone to savor throughout the festive season.

Vodka is among the most widely consumed spirits globally, yet its appreciation seems muted, particularly in the U.S. In the quest to identify the best vodkas, individuals often struggle to find resources or specialty bars dedicated solely to this spirit. Historically, the legal definition of vodka created a view of it lacking distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color. However, a recent tasting of 15 different vodkas revealed a surprising variety of options, including a briny martini-friendly vodka, a rich sweet option, and an all-purpose creamy vodka that complements any home bar.

The Best Vodkas

Kirkland Signature American Vodka

Kirkland Signature American Vodka emerged as the top pick. Priced at around $15 from Total Wine & More, testers found it to be the cleanest, creamiest, and most versatile vodka. With soft citrus and rose aromas, it’s enjoyable on its own or in various cocktails. The only downside is its size, as it comes in a large 1.75-liter bottle.

• Base Ingredient: Corn
• Best For: All cocktails
• Made In: USA

Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka

For those unable to acquire Kirkland vodka, Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka is a solid alternative at approximately $11. Historically significant, Smirnoff became the first vodka distillery in the U.S. and ultimately the world’s best-selling vodka. Its crisp and clean profile makes it suitable for various cocktails, from Bloody Marys to martinis.

• Base Ingredient: Grain
• Best For: Cocktails requiring a versatile vodka
• Made In: USA

Pinnacle Vodka

For a unique option, Pinnacle Vodka is noted for its savory and salty profile, priced around $15. Its briny flavor makes it particularly suitable for savory cocktails, like martinis and Bloody Marys.

• Base Ingredient: Grain
• Best For: Savory cocktails
• Made In: France (bottled in the USA)

Stolichnaya Vodka

At $21, Stolichnaya Vodka is favored for those who prefer a mild taste that blends well in cocktails. With light notes of aloe and lime, this vodka is ideal for mixed drinks where one prefers to mask the alcohol flavor.

• Base Ingredient: Grain
• Best For: Drinks where one prefers a light presence of alcohol
• Made In: Latvia

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tito’s Handmade Vodka stands out for its richer, sweeter profile, available at approximately $20. Its notes of butterscotch and honey allow it to shine in citrusy or savory cocktails.

• Base Ingredient: Corn
• Best For: Citrus or savory cocktails
• Made In: USA

The Competition

Vodkas such as Svedka and Hangar 1 were considered but didn’t match the flavor quality of the selected picks. Brands like Absolut and Grey Goose were dismissed due to harsh alcohol burn and thinning characteristics when diluted.

Why You Should Trust Us

The guide was informed by extensive research and interviews with food scientists and industry experts. The testing involved multiple rounds of tastings across diverse cocktail recipes to ensure a well-rounded understanding of each vodka’s flavor profile and versatility.

Conclusion

Vodka may often be overlooked compared to spirits like whiskey or gin, but the right vodka can elevate any cocktail experience.Preference can vary widely based on personal taste, but the options outlined here provide a excellent basis for exploring the world of vodka and finding what suits your palate best.

Getting ready for the 2026 music festival season, Fort Worth has just announced the lineup for this year’s Syndicate Smokedown & Music Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, this milestone fifth anniversary promises a Texas-sized gathering.

The festival will feature big names such as Whiskey Myers and the Randy Rogers Band leading the charge, along with an exciting lineup that includes Amanda Shires, Jason Scott and the High Heat, Ellis Bullard, The Broken Spokes, and Weldon Henson. Nearly all of the acts hail from Texas, embodying the spirit of the Lone Star State.

Andy Eldridge, the Smokedown Festival Director and a Fort Worth local, emphasized the festival’s commitment to celebrating Texas talent. “For our 5th anniversary, we wanted a lineup that felt both elevated and unmistakably Texas," he stated. "This is the biggest music lineup year we’ve ever produced.”

Tickets for the festival go on sale to the public on Friday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. CT. This year’s event not only showcases outstanding musicianship but also features a BBQ competition open to both professionals and amateur teams, offering various ticket options for all kinds of festival-goers.

All proceeds from the festival support 4-H and FFA youth programs throughout Texas, making it a worthy cause as well. Eldridge noted the importance of the festival’s impact, saying, “every single ticket purchase directly helps a Texas kid and supports this great state’s agriculture industry.”

This is set to be an unforgettable event that combines great music with a noble cause, inviting fans to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Stockyards while supporting local agriculture.

For more information and tickets, check out Syndicate Smokedown.

The song "Whiskey Lullaby," a duet by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, stands as one of the most poignant pieces in country music history. Released in 2004, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remains Paisley’s most-streamed track on Spotify, earning double platinum status from the RIAA.

Penned by country legend "Whisperin’" Bill Anderson and Jon Randall during a tumultuous period in Randall’s life, the writing process was born from deep personal experiences. After his divorce from fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan and losing his record contract, Randall was in a dark place. Their collaboration started when Anderson noticed Randall’s downtrodden demeanor, leading to a conversation where Randall expressed his despair.

Initially, Anderson had envisioned a song called "Midnight Cigarette," but Randall brought forth a powerful line that changed the course of their writing session. The line reflected his struggle, stemming from a two-week period of self-destructive behavior following his heartbreak. Inspired by Randall’s honesty, they crafted the song that became "Whiskey Lullaby."

Anderson introduced the theme of a slow-burning relationship, encapsulated in the iconic opening lines of the song. Their collaboration flourished as they created a narrative of loss, heartache, and despair, highlighted by haunting lyrics depicting a man’s tragic downfall due to unrequited love.

Interestingly, before it found its ultimate home with Paisley and Krauss, the song was initially placed on hold by the Dixie Chicks (now known as The Chicks). Their plans to record it were thwarted by career turmoil following controversial comments from lead singer Natalie Maines. Eventually, Brad Paisley expressed interest in turning it into a duet and suggested Alison Krauss as a collaborator, which Anderson embraced wholeheartedly.

Other artists like Dierks Bentley were also offered the song but declined due to its somber nature. He later remarked that while he appreciated the song’s beauty, he felt it was too depressing for his repertoire. Nevertheless, the collaboration between Paisley and Krauss marked the perfect blend for this timeless and heartbreaking ballad, securing its place in country music history.

The Asia Spirits Ratings (ASR) has awarded U’Luvka Vodka the title of best vodka, granting it an impressive score of 95 out of 100. This Polish vodka, crafted from a unique blend of rye, wheat, and barley, is celebrated for its creamy, crisp taste with subtle sweetness and complex flavor notes. Despite its premium price point of $200 and limited availability in the U.S., the vodka’s exceptional quality and distinctive bottle design won over the judges, who evaluate spirits based on taste, value, quality, and presentation.

The ASR aims to differentiate itself among spirit competitions by involving a diverse panel of experts from various sectors—retailers, distributors, importers, and industry writers. This comprehensive approach ensures that the judges consider broader aspects that matter most to buyers in a competitive market like Asia.

U’Luvka Vodka is produced at the historic Zielona Góra Distillery near Warsaw, one of the oldest vodka producers in Poland. Its smooth 80-proof character results from the careful distillation of high-quality grains. The vodka opens with aromatic hints of vanilla and sage, developing a nuttiness and anise flavor upon tasting. The creators credit their centuries-old recipe, crafted for Polish royalty, for the vodka’s unique complexity.

Although it has been available in the U.S. for over ten years, U’Luvka remains relatively unknown among American consumers partly due to its high price and limited distribution. The distinctive bottle, which stands over a foot tall and lacks traditional labeling, is designed to be a striking centerpiece. While the pricing may challenge acceptance in markets that often favor less expensive options, the ASR’s recognition could signal a shift in perceptions about premium sipping vodkas.

Every year, rum enthusiasts converge in the Caribbean for the prestigious Caribbean Rum Awards, where the best rums are recognized. In 2025, the world was once again captivated by a bottle from Martinique, specifically Rhum Depaz’s Cuvée Prestige XO, which claimed the title of the World’s Best Rum for the second consecutive year.

The awards feature a rigorous blind tasting process, judged by a diverse panel from across the globe, amplifying the competition’s intensity. This year’s top winner, Cuvée Prestige XO, was praised for its refined nature and rich aromatic profile, highlighting the volcanic soils that characterize Martinique and the distillery’s careful aging processes.

Rhum Depaz distillery dates back to 1651, initially producing tobacco, then shifting to sugar cane as the local rum trade flourished. The distillery, reinvented after a catastrophic earthquake in the early 1900s, now produces a variety of rums reflective of the island’s fertile land.

In the 2025 competition, last year’s champion, Trois Rivières’ Triple Millésime (which features vintaged rums aged in French oak), came in a close second, further indicating the increasing quality and variety of rum offerings.

Alexander Britell, the editor of Caribbean Journal, noted the unprecedented competitiveness of this year’s selection, underscoring the expanding diversity in the rum industry.

Other noteworthy mentions from the awards included Dos Maderas Luxus, recognized as a premier blend of rums from Barbados and Guyana, while Rhum A1710 La Perle earned accolades as the best rhum blanc.

The event took place at the Rosewood Le Guanahani in St. Barths, bringing together esteemed judges like José Antonio Hernandez-Solaun of the International Wine and Food Association, Chef Guy Ferdinand, and rum experts from various backgrounds.

The Caribbean Rum Awards continue to celebrate and elevate the craft of rum, reflecting its growing significance and unique character within the global spirits landscape.